Jessops - Taking a Closer Look

TTH Talk | 21.09.2016

Sunday 4th September saw us make a swift return to the Oxford Circus Jessops store to further indulge in our inner (very lost) ‘photographer’. Welcomed by dynamic duo Dean and Carl we were made to feel immediately welcome and ready for a day spent snapping.

After a brief introduction to everyone attending the class it was time to pick up where we left off with a gentle reminder of the camera basics. The Jessops team are excellent at making every question asked feel worthy, despite how silly or simple it may be. With one camera welcomed back from the stone age, and one absent due to a doctor’s visit we weren’t exactly prepped to pap, but it was nothing a few wise words couldn’t fix…

“A lot of photographers think that if they buy a better camera they’ll be able to take better photographs. A better camera won’t do a thing for you if you don’t have anything in your head or in your heart.”

― Arnold Newman

Have no fear if you’re yet to throw some hard earned cash at the latest lens candy, the team have a few spares on hand to tie you over for the day. Just drop them an email a week or so before and they’ll be happy to hook you up with cameras, lenses and memory cards.

After discussing the best aperture, exposure, shutter speed and ISO for macro photography we were let loose to explore the objects laid out around the room. At this point the team left us to our own devices, as we learnt to apply our newfound knowledge to our toys.

Next up it was time to get critical, constructive of course. We talked through what we’d found with our first experience of Macro Photography and began to delve into understanding what truly makes a special snap! We were educated on rule of thirds, leading lines, focusing on the eye, focus off center, texture, reflection and symmetry, all elements of making your photo really stand out.

As you can see with just a little direction and further explanation our photos improved dramatically! We have uploaded the photos exactly how we took them, no Photoshop or editing added. Yup, we’re getting good!

Next up was learning more about all the extra buttons and features available on such incredible pieces of technology. For example, having your ‘meter modes’ on spot or multiple can have a huge impact… big thanks to the pencils for their demo on this!

We played around with white balance and learnt the reason behind the ‘day light’ filter being slightly orange…. even though true day light is blue! Who knew right?

Finally, we got geeky looking at the many ways to ‘pimp your cam’. From £600 macro lens right down to 50p pieces of reflective card, these guys had mastered the many tricks of the trade! We splashed about with images every photographer dreamed of, dropping berries in glasses of water to create the ‘splash effect’, before finishing up with a quick Q and A.

Once again, another insightful day spent down under at Jessops HQ!

If you want to sign up to one of the Jessops courses, click here! You also get a store discount on the day of your course…just in case all we’ve mentioned wasn’t enough! As if…